[OutlawDrifter]

Nothing new on the rear suspension, still considering my options.

Next item of focus was the '49 GMC. The trans pan has been leaking ever so slighty for TOO long. Drained the pan and put a new gasket on, I must have over torqued the OEM unit. After I filled it back up with trans fluid, I set my focus on the front end. The springs have continued to settle and the frame was resting on the front sway bar. When I bought the bare frame, the seller didn't know if it was a 4cyl or 6cyl rig originally. My guess is for a 4cyl at this point. The added weight of the 6.0L/4L80E and the fact the whole rig weighs 500-600lbs more than the frame originally carried, has shown the weak spot in the front springs.

After pulling the sway bar and playing with the suspension, I decided it was time to move up to a heavier coil spring. After much reading I decided to try either the 5662 or 5664 spring. The 5662 has a spring rate of 706lbs and the 5664 is 767lbs. The 5662 is the heaviest factory spring the S10 platform had with a gas engine. The 5664 was used for the short duration of the diesel option. Both springs are also used in 3rd generation F-body's like my Z28. The 5664 apparently is being phased out or is becoming difficult to get, which is okay, I don't need the '49 to handle like my Z28, I want it to ride nicely and have less bounce. I'll probably end up with a 4600 or 5100 Bilstein shock as well. Going to put in an order today for the new 5662 springs, and give them a shot. I'm good with 1-1.5" of lift on the front end, it will still tuck a small amount of tire, and give me the ride height the '49 had sitting on the sway bar.

Once I get the front dialed in, I'll move my focus back to controlling the rear axle better. Then maybe it's time to get the AC put in this Winter, so I can drive it more next Summer....baby steps ya know!